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Council approves three package-liquor store zoning requests; members debate proximity and drive-throughs
Summary
After public hearings, the council approved three zoning changes for package-liquor stores at 2502 FM 439, 160 W. Loop 121 Suite 1, and 608 E. Central Ave, with conditions and varying vote tallies; members raised concerns about proximity to childcare/therapy uses, vape shops and drive-through sales.
The Belton City Council on Jan. 14 approved three separate zoning actions to allow package-liquor stores at sites across the city, following staff presentations and public hearing statements.
Item 12: 2502 FM 439 (Nomads convenience store). Planning staff described the change from a convenience store to a package store; the applicant indicated the store would operate under state TABC hours (10 a.m. to 9 p.m. MondaySaturday; closed Sundays and specified holidays). The council voted to approve the retail zoning with a specific use permit for a package liquor store; the motion passed unanimously.
Item 13: 160 W. Loop 121 Suite 1 (Nomads Liquor Store). Staff explained the request would apply only to Suite 100 within a multi-tenant center. Planning and several council members discussed the presence of an autism therapy center with an outdoor play area on the same property and whether the 300-foot separation standard for churches, public schools and public hospitals should be interpreted more broadly to include such uses. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval by a 5-2 vote; the City Council approved the SUP and zoning change by a 5-2 vote.
Item 14: 608 E. Central Ave (Valero convenience store multi-tenant building). Staff reported the nearest public high school was more than 700 feet away. During deliberations council members debated drive-through operations and whether the liquor sales suite should be physically separated from adjacent mini-mart space. Council approved the zoning change with a condition requiring separation between Suite A and adjacent suites; the vote was 6-1.
Speakers at the public hearings included a resident who explained age restrictions for store entry and hours of operation for liquor stores under TABC rules. Planning staff confirmed to council that "on-site consumption is strictly prohibited" for package stores. Several council members voiced concern about vape shops adjacent to liquor sales, the interpretation of the 300-foot separation requirement and how drive-through or adjacent access could affect neighborhood character. The council did not record individual roll-call votes in the public transcript; final tallies were announced as described above.
